Wireless mesh point portable data terminal

ABSTRACT

A portable data terminal (PDT) adapted to participate in a wireless mesh network including a plurality of peer PDTs can comprise: a PDT module including an encoded information reading (EIR) device, and a mesh point (MP) module communicatively coupled to the PDT module. The MP module can include a microcontroller and at least one wireless communication interface and can be configured to perform IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless station services including authentication, de-authentication, privacy, and MAC service data unit delivery, and IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless distribution system services including association, disassociation, distribution, integration, and re-association. The MP module can be further configured, responsive to receiving a MAC frame addressed to a recipient inside the wireless mesh network, to deliver the MAC frame using the distribution service. The MP module can be further configured, responsive to receiving a MAC frame addressed to a recipient outside of the wireless mesh network, to deliver the MAC frame using the integration service. The MP module can be further configured to route an incoming MAC frame according to its destination address and the frame control field. The MP module can be further configured to cause the PDT module to exit said sleeping state responsive to receiving a mobile management software (MMS) wake-up command.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of thefollowing provisional application: U.S. Ser. No. 60/931,850, filed May25, 2007, entitled “Wireless Mesh Point Data Collection DeviceTerminal”, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is generally related to data collection systems employingportable data terminals and is specifically related to a system andmethod of wireless data communication in a data collection systememploying portable data terminals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years significant advances have been made in the art of datacollection devices and networks containing the same.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,613, a data collection device system is describedhaving a data collection device adapted to read bar code data whereinthe data collection device is in communication with a local hostprocessor and a remote host processor. The data collection device ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,900,613 is configured to report bar code data to aremote computer and execute reprogramming routines to receive programdata either or both from the remote host processor and the local hostprocessor.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,176, a data collection device system is describedhaving a bar code reading device and a host computer. The bar codereading device is equipped to send bar code data and associated imagedata to the host. The image data may contain digital images associatedwith transmitted bar code data. In one example described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,298,176, image data sent to a host includes image datarepresenting a handwritten signature.

In U.S. Publication No. US2002/0171745, a data collection device systemis described having a bar code reading device which is in communicationwith a remote computer. The bar code reading device sends image data andassociated bar code data to a remote computer. In one combined barcode/image data transmission scheme described in the above patentapplication publication decoded bar code message data identifying aparcel is stored within an open byte header location of an image fileincluding an image representation of the parcel.

In U.S. Publication No. US2002/0171745, an image data file in .PDF,TIFF, or .BMP file format is created at a data collection device whichincludes an image representation of a decoded bar code message and animage representation of the package including the bar code encoding thedecoded message.

In U.S. Publication No. US2003/0132292, a data collection device isdescribed having a data collection terminal including a bar code readingdevice, an RFID reading device, a magnetic stripe data reading device, achip card reading device, and a fingerprint reading device. The terminalis coupled to a network, which is configured to facilitate financialtransactions involving data collected utilizing the various readingdevices.

In U.S. Publication No. US2007/0045424, a data collection system isdescribed comprising a plurality of data collection devices and anaccess point. The access point can be a wireline connected to a localserver so that the access point provides access to local and remoteserver applications and databases. Each of the system's data collectiondevices can have an encoded information reader device and a dynamicaccess module. The dynamic access module, among other functions, enablesa data collection device to receive a Media Access Control (MAC) framecontaining payload data from a peer device and transmit that payloaddata to a system access point and similarly receive a MAC framecontaining payload data from an access point and transmit that payloaddata to a peer device.

As significant as the above developments are, shortcomings have beennoted with the operation of presently available data collection devicesand the systems in which they are incorporated. For example, whilewireless data collection systems have proliferated, connectivity issuesremain with such systems. In deploying a wireless data collectionsystem, a costly “site survey” is often commissioned to search for “deadzones” in work environments. Dead zones are prevalent in many datacollection work environments, particularly where obstructions to freeradio wave propagation exist. Metal structures and water are known toobstruct the free propagation of radio waves. Since metallic structures(e.g., shelving, equipment including medical test equipment) and water(plumbing and piping) are common in data collection work environments,data collection work environments are often found to have numerous deadzones. Where a data collection work environment to be serviced by anIEEE 802.11 wireless communication system is found to have numerous“dead zones,” the “solution” proposed by a site surveyor is often tointegrate numerous additional access points into the system. Theadditional access points are costly and typically require connection toan expanded wireline bus. In many data collection systems the number ofintegrated access points is equal or greater than the number of datacollection devices.

Accordingly, there is a need for further advances in data collectiondevices and systems in which they are connected, and management of datacollected utilizing such networks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A portable data terminal (PDT) adapted to participate in a wireless meshnetwork including a plurality of peer PDTs can comprise: a PDT moduleincluding an encoded information reading (EIR) device, and a mesh point(MP) module communicatively coupled to the PDT module. The MP module caninclude a microcontroller and at least one wireless communicationinterface and can be configured to perform IEEE 802.11-conformantwireless station services including authentication, de-authentication,privacy, and MAC service data unit delivery, and IEEE 802.11-conformantwireless distribution system services including association,disassociation, distribution, integration, and re-association. The MPmodule can be further configured, responsive to receiving a MAC frameaddressed to a recipient inside the wireless mesh network, to deliverthe MAC frame using the distribution service. The MP module can befurther configured, responsive to receiving a MAC frame addressed to arecipient outside of the wireless mesh network, to deliver the MAC frameusing the integration service. The MP module can be further configuredto route an incoming MAC frame according to its destination address andthe frame control field. The MP module can be further configured tocause the PDT module to exit said sleeping state responsive to receivinga mobile management software (MMS) wake-up command.

In another aspect, a PDT adapted to participate in a wireless meshnetwork including a plurality of peer PDTs can comprise: a PDT moduleincluding a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and at least oneEIR device. The EIR device can be configured to output a decoded messagedata corresponding to an encoded message. The PDT can further comprise aMP module communicatively coupled to the PDT module. The MP module caninclude a microcontroller and at least one wireless communicationinterface. The MP module can be configured to perform IEEE802.11-conformant wireless station services, and IEEE 802.11-conformantwireless distribution system services. The MP module can be furtherconfigured to route an incoming MAC frame according to its destinationaddress and the frame control field.

In another aspect, there is provided a PDT adapted to participate in awireless mesh network including a plurality of peer PDTs. The PDTaccording to the invention can comprise: a PDT module including a CPU, amemory, and at least one EIR device. The EIR device can be configured tooutput a decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. ThePDT can further comprise a mesh point MP module communicatively coupledto the PDT module. The MP module can include a microcontroller and atleast one wireless communication interface. The PDT module can beconfigured to control its power management states at least between anawake state and a sleeping state. The MP module can be configured tocause the PDT module to exit the sleeping state responsive to receivinga MMS wake-up command.

In another aspect, there is provided a dynamic deployable mesh pointadapted to participate in a wireless mesh network including a pluralityof portable data terminals. The dynamic deployable mesh point cancomprise a microcontroller and at least one wireless communicationinterface. The dynamic deployable mesh point can be configured toperform IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless station services includingauthentication, de-authentication, privacy, and MAC service data unitdelivery, and IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless distribution systemservices including association, disassociation, distribution,integration, and re-association. The dynamic deployable mesh point canbe further configured, responsive to receiving a MAC frame addressed toa recipient inside the wireless mesh network, to deliver the frame usingthe distribution service. The dynamic deployable mesh point can befurther configured, responsive to receiving a MAC frame addressed to arecipient outside of the mesh network, to deliver the frame using theintegration service. The dynamic deployable mesh point can besubstantially devoid of any functionality other than routing MAC frames.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspectsof one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a data collection system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the Open Systems Communication (OSI) network model;

FIG. 3 illustrates an architectural diagram of a PDT according to theinvention;

FIG. 4 a illustrates IEEE-802 MAC frame format;

FIG. 4 b illustrates IEEE-802 MAC frame control field format;

FIG. 5 illustrates a data collection system including a dynamicdeployable mesh point according to the invention;

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate an exemplary hand held portable datacollection device housing into which all of the components of FIG. 1 maybe integrated;

FIGS. 7 a-7 c illustrate an exemplary portable and remountable housinginto which all of the components of FIG. 3 may be integrated, and whichmay support all of the components of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 a illustrates a first exemplary deployment of a data collectiondevice according to the invention within a retail store;

FIG. 8 b illustrates a second exemplary deployment of a data collectiondevice according to the invention within a retail store; and

FIGS. 8 c and 8 d illustrate PIN and signature data entry operationalmodes of a data collection device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There is provided a data collection system comprising a plurality ofPDTs as shown in FIG. 1. A PDT can be provided, for example, by a barcode scanner, a personal data assistant (PDA), or a cellular telephone.A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other portablecomputing devices are within the scope and the spirit of the invention.The data collection system according to the invention can include morethan one such type or category of PDT.

As shown in FIG. 1, the data collection system 1000 can include aplurality of networks 200, 3001, 300, 400, and 500. Network 200 is awireline local area network (LAN), networks 300 and 3001 are IEEE802.11-compliant wireless networks, network 400 is an IP network shownin the specific embodiment as the Internet, and network 500 is a remotedata archiving network managed by a data archiving entity. The datacollection system 1000 can include a plurality of PDTs 100-1, 100-2,100-3, 100-4, 100-5 and an access point (AP) 210. The AP 210 canfunction as a portal interconnecting the LAN 200 and the wirelessnetwork 3001. The wireline LAN 200 can also include a server 240 and aplurality of computer devices such as a personal computer (PC) 250. Aswill be described more fully herein, wireless network 3001 in thespecific illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 can include the APs 210,210′, PDT 100-1, and PDT 100-3 whereas the wireless network 300 canincludes PDTs 100-1, 100-2, 100-4, 100-5. The data collection system1000 may also include a gateway 242 between network 200 and network 400and a gateway 412 between network 400 and network 500. While different“networks” are designated herein, it is recognized that a single networkas seen from the network layer 3106 of the OSI model (FIG. 2) cancomprise a plurality of lower layer networks, e.g., what can be regardedas a single IP network can include a plurality of different physicalnetworks.

The OSI model diagram is shown in FIG. 2. According to the OSI networklayer model, data protocols may be implemented in one of seven layers;i.e., the physical layer 3102 the link layer 3104, the network layer3106 (can provided by, e.g., IP), the transport layer 3110 (can providedby, e.g., TCP or UDP), the session layer 3112, the presentation layer3114, and the application layer 3116.

Referring to further aspects of the networks of the data collectionsystem 1000, network 500 can be located remotely from the network 200and can be located thousands of miles from network 200. Network 500, forexample, can include a web server 410, which can be in communicationwith various databases 420, 430. Network 500 can be in communicationwith network 200 via the Internet 400 or another communications path,such as a publicly accessible network, and/or through a private network,such as network 305. A network included into the data collection system1000 can be interconnected with other networks using both OSI layer 2bridging and OSI layer 3 internetworking.

In one embodiment of the invention, AP 210 of system 1000 can becompliant with one of the IEEE 802.11, 802.11a, 802.14, 802.11g,802.11e, and 802.11i Specifications. Each PDT 100 of the data collectionsystem 1000 can incorporate a radio transceiver which can be compliantwith one of the IEEE 802.11, 802.11a, 802.14, 802.11g, 802.11e, and802.11i Specifications, and can have an associated unique InternetProtocol (IP) address.

Referring to attributes of the AP 210, AP 210 can be wireline connectedto server 240 via wireline network 215 shown throughout the views and incommunication with remote server 410 via network 400. Thus,communication with AP 210 can provide access to all files andapplications stored on server 240 or server 410. AP 210 can be designedto have a large antennae 212 boosting the transmit and receive range andthroughput of data through AP 210. Wireline network 215, can be providedby e.g., an Ethernet cable, to form a backbone of the network 200.

AP 210 may also be implemented with enhanced security features.According to a security feature (e.g., the Wired Equivalency Privacy(WEP) feature, where AP 210 is IEEE 802.11-compliant), AP 210 mayincorporate a security module 1424 which can enable AP 210 to encryptMAC frames transmitted to a network device (e.g., a PDT) and decrypt MACframes received from a network device (e.g., a PDT). In accordance withthe security module 1424, AP 210 may examine a control field of areceived MAC frame to determine if a security feature (e.g., WEP) isenabled, and if it is enabled, decrypt the received MAC frame.

In another aspect, a PDT according to the invention can be capable ofperforming MP functionality defined in IEEE P802.11s family of draftstandards, including IEEE P802.11s D0.01, D1.02, and D2.0, Draftamendments to standard IEEE 802.11™: ESS Mesh Networking. IEEE. Thus, aPDT according to the invention can establish wireless links with one ormore peer PDTs and route a MAC frame received from one peer PDT toanother peer PDT or to an AP, so that the MAC frame can finally reachits destination within or outside the wireless network.

In a further aspect, a PDT can support IEEE 802.11-conformant wirelessstation services, including authentication, deauthentication, privacy,and MAC service data unit (MSDU) delivery. Each of the services isbriefly described herein infra.

Authentication: Physical security can not be effectively employed toprevent unauthorized access to a wireless network since the wirelessmedium does not have precise bounds. IEEE 802.11 provides the ability tocontrol network access via the authentication service. This service canbe used by all wireless devices to establish their identity to otherwireless devices with which they communicate. IEEE 802.11 supportsseveral authentication processes, but does not mandate the use of anyparticular authentication scheme. IEEE 802.11 provides link-levelauthentication between IEEE 802.11 wireless devices, e.g., a shared keyauthentication. In a shared key authentication system, identity isdemonstrated by knowledge of a shared secret encryption key.

Deauthentication: The deauthentication service is invoked whenever anexisting authentication is to be terminated.

Privacy: Any IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless device may hear all IEEE802.11 traffic that is within its radio range. Thus the connection of asingle wireless link (without privacy) to an existing wired LAN mayseriously degrade the security level of the wired LAN. To bring thefunctionality of the wireless LAN up to the level implicit in wired LANdesign, IEEE 802.11 provides the ability to encrypt the contents of MACframes. This functionality is provided by the privacy service. IEEE802.11 specifies an optional privacy algorithm, WEP, which is designedto satisfy the goal of wired LAN “equivalent” privacy.

In a further aspect, a PDT can further support IEEE 802.11-conformantdistribution system services, including association, disassociation,distribution, integration, and reassociation, and thus act as an AP.Each of the services is briefly described herein infra.

Association: To deliver a MAC frame within a wireless network, thedistribution service needs to know which AP or portal to access for thegiven wireless device. This information can be provided by theassociation service. Before a wireless device is allowed to transmit aMAC frame via an AP or a portal, it shall first become associated withthe AP or the portal. At any given time, a wireless device can beassociated with no more than one AP or portal. An AP or a portal may beassociated with many wireless devices at one time.

Disassociation: The disassociation service is invoked whenever anexisting association is to be terminated. The disassociation service maybe invoked by either party to an association (wireless device or AP).

Distribution: the distribution service delivers the MAC frame within awireless network to the intended recipients.

Integration: If the distribution service determines that the intendedrecipient of a MAC frame is on a network integrated with the wirelessnetwork where the MAC frame originates, the MAC frame will need to berouted via a portal interconnecting the wireless network with theintegrated network. The integration function is responsible foraccomplishing whatever is needed to deliver a MAC frame to theintegrated network.

Reassociation: Association is sufficient for no-transition MAC framedelivery between IEEE 802.11 devices. Additional functionality is neededto support device transition mobility. The additional requiredfunctionality is provided by the reassociation service which is invokedto “move” a current association from one AP or portal to another.

In a further aspect, a PDT 100 according to the invention can comprise aPDT module 302 communicatively coupled to an MP module 304, as shown inFIG. 3. In one embodiment, the PDT module can be communicatively coupledto the MP module over a wired interface. In another embodiment, the PDTmodule can be communicatively coupled to the MP module over a wirelessinterface, e.g., an optical interface or a radio frequency (RF)interface. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that otherimplementations of the interface between the MP module and the PDTmodule are within the scope and the spirit of the invention.

The PDT module 302 can include a CPU 306, a memory 308, and an EIRdevice 310. The EIR device 310 can be provided by one or more of a barcode reader device, an RFID reader device, and a credit/debit cardreader device. In one embodiment, a bar code reader device can beprovided by an imaging assembly and a control circuit which can managethe capture of image data into a memory and the subsequent decoding ofimage data in accordance with a symbology decoding program stored in thememory. A bar code reader device may also be provided by a producthaving dedicated decode circuit such as an IT 4XXX or IT 5XXX imagingmodule with decode circuit as is available from Hand Held Products, Inc.of Skaneateles Falls, NY. The decode circuit can process image signalsgenerated by the imaging module and decode the signals to producedecoded message data, such as decoded bar code message data fromnumerous symbologies such as PDF417, MicroPDF417, MaxiCode, Data Matrix,QR Code, Aztec, Aztec Mesa, Code 49, UCC Composite, Snowflake,Dataglyphs, Code 39, Code 128, Codabar, UPC, EAN, Interleaved 2 of 5,RSS, Code 93, Codablock, BC 412, Postnet (US), Planet Code, BPO 4 State,Canadian 4 State, Japanese Post, Kix (Dutch Post) and OCR-A, OCR-B.

In another aspect, a PDT according to the invention can include a powersource (e.g., a battery 320 best viewed in FIG. 3).

In a further aspect, the MP module 304 of FIG. 3 can function as an IEEE802.11s-conformant MP. Hence, a wireless network formed by PDTs actingas MPs can provide a set of IEEE 802.11s-conformant mesh services,including the management of the mesh and the transport of MAC frames. Ina further aspect, the MP module 304 can comprise a low power embeddedmicrocontroller 312 to perform 802.11s MP functionality independently ofthe current power management state of the PDT module. The MP module 304can further comprise at least one wireless communication interface 314.

In a further aspect, the MP module of a PDT can receive a frame (e.g., aMAC frame) from the PDT module of the same PDT, from a peer PDT, or froman AP or portal. The PDT can route the frame using the distributionservice to a recipient within the same wireless network, or using theintegration service to a recipient outside of the wireless network.

In another aspect, the MAC frames transmitted and received by a PDT canbelong to one of the three IEEE 802.11MAC sublayer message types—data,management, and control. The data messages are handled via the MAC dataservice path. MAC management messages are used to support the IEEE802.11 services and are handled via the MAC management service datapath. MAC control messages are used to support the delivery of IEEE802.11 data and management messages.

Each MAC frame consists of the following basic components, illustratedin FIG. 4 a:

a) a MAC header, which comprises frame control, duration, address, andsequence control information;

b) a variable length frame body, which contains information specific tothe frame type;

c) a frame check sequence (FCS), which contains an IEEE 32-bit cyclicredundancy code (CRC).

The Frame Control field consists of the following subfields: ProtocolVersion, Type, Subtype, To DS, From DS, More Fragments, Retry, PowerManagement, More Data, WEP, and Order. The format of the Frame Controlfield is illustrated in FIG. 4 b.

A PDT can route a MAC frame according to its destination address and theframe control field of the frame header as shown in the following table.

Type value Type Subtype value b3 b2 description b7 b6 b5 b4 Subtypedescription 00 Management 0000 to 1100 Management Message 01 Control0110 to 1111 Control both for WLAN and Mesh 10 Data 0000 to 0111 MPDTData 11 Mesh Data 0000 to 0001 Mesh Data

In another aspect, the MP module and the PDT module of a PDT might sharethe same IP address. In one embodiment, the routing algorithms betweenthe MP module and the PDT module can be as follows:

-   -   If the PDT module has an outgoing frame, the frame is put into        the input FIFO of the MP module and queued for the MP module to        transmit the frame.    -   If the MP module receives an incoming frame with its own        destination address, the frame is transmitted to the PDT module.

In another aspect, a PDT according to the invention can have a singlepower supply (e.g., a battery 320 best viewed in FIG. 3) for both MP andPDT modules. In another embodiment, each of the MP and PDT modules canhave separate power supplies (e.g., batteries) controlled by independentpower management schemes or a single coordinated power managementscheme. For example, in one embodiment of a coordinated power managementscheme, if the MP module energy source is depleted, the PDT moduleenergy source may be used to supply power to the MP module to providefor continued mesh network functionality. In another embodiment, if thePDT module energy source is depleted, then the MP module energy sourcemay be used to supply power to the PDT provide for its continuedoperation.

In another aspect, a PDT according to the invention can support powermanagement control aimed at saving energy. In one embodiment, while thePDT module can transition into a sleeping state when it has no job toprocess, the MP module can remain operational to provide the meshrouting functionality. If a frame (e.g., a MAC frame) received by an MPmodule is not addressed to the PDT module of the same PDT, the MP modulecan route the frame to its destination using distribution or integrationservice. If the incoming frame is addressed to the PDT module of thesame PDT, the MP module can route the frame to the PDT module. If thePDT module is in a sleeping state, the MP module can cause the PDTmodule to exit the sleeping state and to transition to an awake state bytransmitting the frame to the PDT module.

In a further aspect, a PDT according to the invention can support one ormore of the following power saving features:

a) Reducing the frequency of beacons, e.g., by beaconing only atDelivery Traffic Indication Message (DTIM) intervals;

b) Providing efficient power save mode advertising, e.g., by includingan indication of the power save mode into the beacon frames or the framecontrol field;

c) Allowing MPs to be awake only for that portion of time required foractual reception.

In another aspect, a MMS server can be employed by the data collectionsystem according to the invention for performing management functionsincluding application updates and reloads, device reconfigurations andresets, etc.

In one embodiment, a PDT according to the invention can exit thesleeping state and transition to the awake state responsive to receivingan MMS awake command. In a further aspect, the MMS server can issue acommand to immediately wake up all of the PDTs participating in the datacollection system according to the invention.

In another embodiment, a PDT according to the invention can be devoid ofthe PDT module and thus provide MP module functions only. The apparatusaccording to the invention which is devoid of the PDT module will bereferred to as a dynamic deployable MP. One or more dynamic deployablemesh points can be installed within the data collection system accordingto the invention with the purpose of extending the RF signal coverage orenhancing the mesh network density and throughput. For example, adynamic deployable mesh point can be installed at a “blind spot” of anexisting wireless network. In another embodiment, one or more dynamicdeployable mesh points can be used to roll out a temporary network in asituation where a permanent network does not exist or could not beinstalled. In one example, a temporary network using dynamic deployablemesh points can be deployed in a warehouse where the inventory needs tobe taken. In another example, a temporary network using dynamicdeployable mesh points can be deployed in a hospital ward. In a furtherexample, a temporary network using dynamic deployable mesh points can bedeployed in a military combat or field training environment.

A dynamic deployable mesh point according to the invention can supportIEEE 802.11-conformant wireless station services, includingauthentication, deauthentication, privacy, and MAC service data unit(MSDU) delivery. In a further aspect, a dynamic deployable MP accordingto the invention can further support IEEE 802.11-conformant distributionsystem services, including association, disassociation, distribution,integration, and reassociation.

In a further aspect, a dynamic deployable mesh point according to theinvention can be capable of performing mesh point functionality definedin IEEE 802.11s family of draft standards, including IEEE P802.11sD0.01, D1.02, and D2.0, Draft amendments to standard IEEE 802.11™: ESSMesh Networking. IEEE. Thus, a dynamic deployable mesh point accordingto the invention can establish wireless links with one or more wirelessdevices (e.g., PDTs or other dynamic deployable MPs) and route incomingMAC frames, so that the MAC frames can finally reach its destinationwithin or outside the wireless network. In one aspect, a dynamicdeployable MP can be substantially devoid of any non-trivialfunctionality other than routing incoming frames.

In a further aspect, the dynamic deployable MP can route an incomingframe (e.g., a MAC frame) using the distribution service to a recipientwithin the same wireless network, or using the integration service to arecipient outside of the wireless network.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, a PDT 100 can be locatedoutside of the coverage of the AP 202. According to the invention, adynamic deployable mesh point 902 a, responsive to receiving a frame(e.g., a MAC frame) from a PDT 100, can route the frame to the dynamicdeployable mesh point 902 b, which in turn can route the frame to the AP202 so that the frame can be finally routed to the server 240. A skilledartisan would appreciate the fact that frames addressed to the PDT 100can also be routed via the dynamic deployable mesh points 902 a and 902b.

In another aspect, a dynamic deployable MP according to the inventioncan be self-configurable. Upon being powered up, the dynamic deployablemesh point can automatically update its routing table, automaticallyassociate with a wireless network, and start routing incoming frames(e.g., MAC frames). In another embodiment, a dynamic deployable meshpoint can be remotely configurable over the network.

In another aspect, a dynamic deployable mesh point according to theinvention can be characterized by small physical size and low powerconsumption. In one embodiment, a dynamic deployable MP according to theinvention can be powered by a battery. In another embodiment, a dynamicdeployable MP can be plugged into an electrical outlet.

A dynamic deployable MP according to the invention can be furthercharacterized by a low cost, and thus provide a cost-effective solutionfor flexible on-demand management of a wireless network coverage andthroughput.

In another aspect, the components of a PDT according to the inventioncan be incorporated into a variety of different housings. As indicatedby the embodiment of FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, the components of a PDTaccording to the invention can be incorporated into a hand held housing101 as shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b which is shaped to be held in a humanhand. PDT 100 of FIGS. 6 a and 6 b is in the form factor of a hand heldportable data terminal. PDT 100 as shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b caninclude a keyboard 1090 a display 504 having an associated touch screenoverlay, a card reader 1348 and an imaging module 360 which can includethe components of an imaging assembly as described herein; namely animage sensor array incorporated on an image sensor IC chip. As indicatedby the side view of FIG. 6 b, the components of a PDT according to theinvention may be supported within housing 101 on a plurality of circuitboards 1077. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 a-7 c, PDT 100 is in the formof a transaction terminal which may be configured as a retail purchasetransaction terminal or as a price verifier. Housing 102 of thetransaction terminal shown in FIGS. 7 a-7 c can be configured to beportable so that it can be moved from location to location and isfurther configured to be replaceably mounted on a fixed structure suchas a fixed structure of a cashier station or a fixed structure of theretail store floor (e.g., a shelf, a column 264). Referring to bottomview of FIG. 7 c, the housing 102 of PDT 100 can have formations 268facilitating the replaceable mounting of PDT 100 on a fixed structure.PDT 100 can include a display 504 having an associated touch screen504T, a card reader 1348, and an imaging module 360. Referring tofurther details of PDT 100, PDT 100 can further include a luminousshroud 362. When light from illumination block (not shown in FIGS. 7 a,7 b, 7 c) strikes luminous shroud 362, the shroud glows to attractattention to the location of imaging assembly. In certain operatingmodes as indicated in FIG. 8 c, PDT 100 in accordance with any of FIGS.6 a-7 c, displays on display 504 a PIN entry screen prompting a customerto enter PIN information into touch screen 504T. In other operatingmodes, as indicated in FIG. 8 d, PDT 100 displays on display 504 asignature prompt screen prompting a customer to enter signatureinformation into the device with use of a stylus 505.

Referring to FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, various installation configurations forthe data collection device of FIGS. 6 a-7 c are shown. In the view ofFIG. 8 a, PDT 100 is installed as a retail purchase transaction terminalat a point of sale cashier station 260. In the setup of FIG. 8 a, PDT100 is configured as a retail purchase transaction terminal and isutilized to aid and facilitate retail transactions at a point of sale. Acustomer may enter a credit card or a debit card into card reader 1348and retail purchase transaction terminal 100R may transmit the creditcard information to credit/debit authorization network.

In the view of FIG. 8 b, PDT 100 is configured as a price verifier toaid customers in checking prices of products located on a store floor.PDT 100 may be mounted on a shelf or on a column 264 or other fixedstructure of the retail store. PDT 100 may decode bar code data from barcodes on store products and send decoded bar code messages to storeserver 240 for lookup of price information which is sent back fromserver 240 to terminal 100 for display on display 504.

A small sample of systems methods and apparatus that are describedherein is as follows:

A1. A portable data terminal adapted to participate in a wireless meshnetwork including a plurality of peer portable data terminals, saidportable data terminal comprising:

a portable data terminal module including a central processing unit, amemory, and at least one encoded information reading device configuredto output a decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message;and

a mesh point module communicatively coupled to said portable dataterminal module, said mesh point module including a microcontroller andat least one wireless communication interface;

wherein said mesh point module is configured to perform IEEE802.11-conformant wireless station services, and IEEE 802.11-conformantwireless distribution system services including distribution andintegration;

wherein said mesh point module is further configured, responsive toreceiving a Media Access Control frame addressed to a recipient insidesaid mesh network, to deliver said Media Access Control frame using saiddistribution service; and

wherein said mesh point module is further configured, responsive toreceiving a Media Access Control frame addressed to a recipient outsideof said mesh network, to deliver said Media Access Control frame usingsaid integration service.

A2. The portable data terminal of A1, wherein said portable dataterminal module employs a power management scheme for controlling powermanagement states of said portable data terminal module at least betweenan awake state and a sleeping state; and

wherein said mesh point module is configured to cause said portable dataterminal module to exit said portable data terminal module sleepingstate by transmitting at least one frame to said portable data terminalmodule.

A3. The portable data terminal of A1, wherein said portable dataterminal module includes a first battery;

wherein said mesh point module includes a second battery; and

wherein said first battery is used to power said mesh point moduleresponsive to said second battery depletion, thus providing foruninterrupted operation of said mesh point module.

A4. The portable data terminal of A1, wherein said wireless networkcomprises one or more portals, each portal routing frames between saidwireless network and at least one external network.A5. The portable data terminal of A1, wherein said mesh point module isconfigured to transmit beacons only at Delivery Traffic Indication Timeintervals.B1. A portable data terminal adapted to participate in a wireless meshnetwork including a plurality of peer portable data terminals, saidportable data terminal comprising:

a portable data terminal module including a central processing unit, amemory, and at least one encoded information reading device configuredto output a decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message;and

a mesh point module communicatively coupled to said portable dataterminal module, said mesh point module including a microcontroller andat least one wireless communication interface;

wherein said mesh point module is configured to perform IEEE802.11-conformant wireless station services, and IEEE 802.11-conformantwireless distribution system services;

wherein said mesh point module is further configured, responsive toreceiving a Media Access Control frame having a header including adestination address and a frame control field, to route said MediaAccess Control frame according to said destination address and saidframe control field.

B2. The portable data terminal of B1, wherein said portable dataterminal module employs a power management scheme for controlling powermanagement states of said portable data terminal module at least betweenan awake state and a sleeping state; and

wherein said mesh point module is configured to cause said portable dataterminal module to exit said portable data terminal module sleepingstate by transmitting at least one frame to said portable data terminalmodule.

B3. The portable data terminal of B1, wherein said portable dataterminal module includes a first battery;

wherein said mesh point module includes a second battery; and

wherein said first battery is used to power said mesh point moduleresponsive to said second battery depletion, thus providing foruninterrupted operation of said mesh point module.

B4. The portable data terminal of B1, wherein said wireless networkcomprises one or more portals, each portal routing frames between saidwireless network and at least one external network.B5. The portable data terminal of B1, wherein said mesh point module isconfigured to transmit beacons only at Delivery Traffic Indication Timeintervals.C1. A portable data terminal adapted to participate in a wireless meshnetwork including a plurality of peer portable data terminals, saidportable data terminal comprising:

a portable data terminal module including a central processing unit, amemory, and at least one encoded information reading device configuredto output a decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message;and

a mesh point module communicatively coupled to said portable dataterminal module, said mesh point module including a microcontroller andat least one wireless communication interface;

wherein said portable data terminal module is configured to controlpower management states of said portable data terminal module at leastbetween an awake state and a sleeping state; and

wherein said mesh point module is configured to cause said portable dataterminal module to exit said sleeping state responsive to receiving amobile management software wake-up command.

C2. The portable data terminal of C1, wherein said mesh point module isconfigured to perform IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless station servicesincluding authentication, de-authentication, privacy, and Media AccessControl service data unit delivery, and IEEE 802.11-conformant wirelessdistribution system services including association, disassociation,distribution, integration, and re-association.C3. The portable data terminal of C1, wherein said portable dataterminal module includes a first battery;

wherein said mesh point module includes a second battery; and

wherein said first battery is used to power said mesh point moduleresponsive to said second battery depletion, thus providing foruninterrupted operation of said mesh point module.

C4. The portable data terminal of C1, wherein said wireless networkcomprises one or more portals, each portal routing frames between saidwireless network and at least one external network.C5. The portable data terminal of C1, wherein said mesh point module isconfigured to transmit beacons only at Delivery Traffic Indication Timeintervals.D1. A dynamic deployable mesh point adapted to participate in a wirelessmesh network including a plurality of portable data terminals, saiddynamic deployable mesh point comprising:

a microcontroller; and

at least one wireless communication interface;

wherein said dynamic deployable mesh point is configured to perform IEEE802.11-conformant wireless station services including authentication,de-authentication, privacy, and Media Access Control service data unitdelivery, and IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless distribution systemservices including association, disassociation, distribution,integration, and re-association;

wherein said dynamic deployable mesh point is further configured,responsive to receiving a Media Access Control frame addressed to arecipient inside said mesh network, to deliver said Media Access Controlframe using said distribution service;

wherein said dynamic deployable mesh point is further configured,responsive to receiving a Media Access Control frame addressed to arecipient outside of said mesh network, to deliver said Media AccessControl frame using said integration service; and

wherein said dynamic deployable mesh point is substantially devoid ofany functionality other than routing Media Access Control frames.

D2. The dynamic deployable mesh point of D1 further comprising abattery.D3. The dynamic deployable mesh point of D1, wherein said dynamicdeployable mesh point is configured to be plugged in an electricaloutlet.D4. The dynamic deployable mesh point of D1 further comprising a routingtable;

wherein said dynamic deployable mesh point is configured, responsive tobeing powered up, to automatically update said routing table.

D5. The dynamic deployable mesh point of D1, wherein said dynamicdeployable mesh point is remotely configurable over a network.

While the present invention has been described with reference to anumber of specific embodiments, it will be understood that the truespirit and scope of the invention should be determined only with respectto claims that can be supported by the present specification. Further,while in numerous cases herein systems and apparatuses and methods aredescribed as having a certain number of elements, it will be understoodthat such systems, apparatuses and methods can be practiced with fewerthan the mentioned certain number of elements.

1. A portable data terminal adapted to participate in a wireless meshnetwork including a plurality of peer portable data terminals, saidportable data terminal comprising: a portable data terminal moduleincluding a central processing unit, a memory, and at least one encodedinformation reading device configured to output a decoded message datacorresponding to an encoded message; and a mesh point modulecommunicatively coupled to said portable data terminal module, said meshpoint module including a microcontroller and at least one wirelesscommunication interface; wherein said mesh point module is configured toperform IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless station services, and IEEE802.11-conformant wireless distribution system services includingdistribution and integration; wherein said mesh point module is furtherconfigured, responsive to receiving a Media Access Control frameaddressed to a recipient inside said mesh network, to deliver said MediaAccess Control frame using said distribution service; and wherein saidmesh point module is further configured, responsive to receiving a MediaAccess Control frame addressed to a recipient outside of said meshnetwork, to deliver said Media Access Control frame using saidintegration service.
 2. The portable data terminal of claim 1, whereinsaid portable data terminal module employs a power management scheme forcontrolling power management states of said portable data terminalmodule at least between an awake state and a sleeping state; and whereinsaid mesh point module is configured to cause said portable dataterminal module to exit said portable data terminal module sleepingstate by transmitting at least one frame to said portable data terminalmodule.
 3. The portable data terminal of claim 1, wherein said portabledata terminal module includes a first battery; wherein said mesh pointmodule includes a second battery; and wherein said first battery is usedto power said mesh point module responsive to said second batterydepletion, thus providing for uninterrupted operation of said mesh pointmodule.
 4. The portable data terminal of claim 1, wherein said wirelessnetwork comprises one or more portals, each portal routing framesbetween said wireless network and at least one external network.
 5. Theportable data terminal of claim 1, wherein said mesh point module isconfigured to transmit beacons only at Delivery Traffic Indication Timeintervals.
 6. A portable data terminal adapted to participate in awireless mesh network including a plurality of peer portable dataterminals, said portable data terminal comprising: a portable dataterminal module including a central processing unit, a memory, and atleast one encoded information reading device configured to output adecoded message data corresponding to an encoded message; and a meshpoint module communicatively coupled to said portable data terminalmodule, said mesh point module including a microcontroller and at leastone wireless communication interface; wherein said mesh point module isconfigured to perform IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless station services,and IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless distribution system services;wherein said mesh point module is further configured, responsive toreceiving a Media Access Control frame having a header including adestination address and a frame control field, to route said MediaAccess Control frame according to said destination address and saidframe control field.
 7. The portable data terminal of claim 6, whereinsaid portable data terminal module employs a power management scheme forcontrolling power management states of said portable data terminalmodule at least between an awake state and a sleeping state; and whereinsaid mesh point module is configured to cause said portable dataterminal module to exit said portable data terminal module sleepingstate by transmitting at least one frame to said portable data terminalmodule.
 8. The portable data terminal of claim 6, wherein said portabledata terminal module includes a first battery; wherein said mesh pointmodule includes a second battery; and wherein said first battery is usedto power said mesh point module responsive to said second batterydepletion, thus providing for uninterrupted operation of said mesh pointmodule.
 9. The portable data terminal of claim 6, wherein said wirelessnetwork comprises one or more portals, each portal routing framesbetween said wireless network and at least one external network.
 10. Theportable data terminal of claim 6, wherein said mesh point module isconfigured to transmit beacons only at Delivery Traffic Indication Timeintervals.
 11. A portable data terminal adapted to participate in awireless mesh network including a plurality of peer portable dataterminals, said portable data terminal comprising: a portable dataterminal module including a central processing unit, a memory, and atleast one encoded information reading device configured to output adecoded message data corresponding to an encoded message; and a meshpoint module communicatively coupled to said portable data terminalmodule, said mesh point module including a microcontroller and at leastone wireless communication interface; wherein said portable dataterminal module is configured to control power management states of saidportable data terminal module at least between an awake state and asleeping state; and wherein said mesh point module is configured tocause said portable data terminal module to exit said sleeping stateresponsive to receiving a mobile management software wake-up command.12. The portable data terminal of claim 11, wherein said mesh pointmodule is configured to perform IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless stationservices including authentication, de-authentication, privacy, and MediaAccess Control service data unit delivery, and IEEE 802.11-conformantwireless distribution system services including association,disassociation, distribution, integration, and re-association.
 13. Theportable data terminal of claim 11, wherein said portable data terminalmodule includes a first battery; wherein said mesh point module includesa second battery; and wherein said first battery is used to power saidmesh point module responsive to said second battery depletion, thusproviding for uninterrupted operation of said mesh point module.
 14. Theportable data terminal of claim 11, wherein said wireless networkcomprises one or more portals, each portal routing frames between saidwireless network and at least one external network.
 15. The portabledata terminal of claim 11, wherein said mesh point module is configuredto transmit beacons only at Delivery Traffic Indication Time intervals.16. A dynamic deployable mesh point adapted to participate in a wirelessmesh network including a plurality of portable data terminals, saiddynamic deployable mesh point comprising: a microcontroller; and atleast one wireless communication interface; wherein said dynamicdeployable mesh point is configured to perform IEEE 802.11-conformantwireless station services including authentication, de-authentication,privacy, and Media Access Control service data unit delivery, and IEEE802.11-conformant wireless distribution system services includingassociation, disassociation, distribution, integration, andre-association; wherein said dynamic deployable mesh point is furtherconfigured, responsive to receiving a Media Access Control frameaddressed to a recipient inside said mesh network, to deliver said MediaAccess Control frame using said distribution service; wherein saiddynamic deployable mesh point is further configured, responsive toreceiving a Media Access Control frame addressed to a recipient outsideof said mesh network, to deliver said Media Access Control frame usingsaid integration service; and wherein said dynamic deployable mesh pointis substantially devoid of any functionality other than routing MediaAccess Control frames.
 17. The dynamic deployable mesh point of claim 16further comprising a battery.
 18. The dynamic deployable mesh point ofclaim 16, wherein said dynamic deployable mesh point is configured to beplugged in an electrical outlet.
 19. The dynamic deployable mesh pointof claim 16 further comprising a routing table; wherein said dynamicdeployable mesh point is configured, responsive to being powered up, toautomatically update said routing table.
 20. The dynamic deployable meshpoint of claim 16, wherein said dynamic deployable mesh point isremotely configurable over a network.